Ghostlight

Writer/director/producer Chris Herrmann's interviews at the time this film was released indicate that he was one of Martha Graham's last employees and confidantes, and his affection for the modern dance giant is evident in this frothy homage to Graham and the woozy NYC art/dance world of the late 20th century. Showcasing a hysterical (and surprisingly touching) performance by Richard Move as the legendary "Martha" (legends don't need surnames, after all) and co-starring downtown performance powerhouse Ann Magnuson as the intrepid reporter out to "docu" her, Herrmann keeps us moving on a whirlwind tour around Manhattan, with tasty cameos from Debbie Harry (shopping for important jewelry, no less!), Isaac Mizrahi and Mark Morris, among others. The crowd at the Tribeca Film festival loved this one and you will too!

I saw "Ghostlight" at the Mill Valley Film Festival last year. It was one of the most innovative, provocative and inspiring art films I've seen in a long time.

Richard Move was a brilliant casting idea from Director, Christopher Herrmann. His performance of Martha was uncanny and I immediately bought into the fact that a man was playing her and suspended my disbelief.

I thought the recreated archival film of Martha Graham was brilliant, on the level of Woody Allen's Zelig.

The film was both funny, poignant and educational. I thought Ann Magunson's Character really brought focus to the film and she's never looked hotter. Her character, a filmmaker, follows Martha and captures what may be the diva's last ballet.

Isaac Mizrahi and Mark Morris were wonderful as well. I could have done without the Deborah Harry cameo, it seem a little tacked on. The acting in some of the smaller roles, especially some of the dancers in "Martha's" company were a bit amateurish but I felt the same about Altman's "The Company" so I guess this can be expected when dancers are asked to act. Eric Kastel, who plays James, Martha's company manager and rock, got much better as the film when on. He was weak in the beginning and he took me out of the film a few times.

By the end of the "Ghostlight" I was quite moved by the message of the sacrifice that a true genius makes for his or her art.

The cinematography was stunning, using a mixture of B&W film for the flashbacks of Martha's marriage and breakup with Eric Hawkins and the lush 35mm color film for the stage performance scenes. The film has several layers to it and each one has it's own look and feel.

Not sure I should comment on other reviews but that guy SonnyKUSA who said that the film was made in conjunction with the Martha Graham Estate should get his facts straight. I noticed the film had a disclaimer at the end of the credits that says, "This film is in no way connected to the Martha Graham Entities" he also says the film was shot on video, huh???

Has anyone noticed that the user rating on ghostlight is 5 stars and almost everyone who made comments and voted gave it 9 or 10 stars? Doesn't that seem strange? It must be an IMDb error. IMDb will you correct this?

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this film; not knowing much about Martha Graham or dance, I went to see it expecting to be bored, lost, or asleep. In contrast (to my expectations) I found it to be a very entertaining film that really was very unique ... comedic and dramatic, while enlightening me on what a force that Martha Graham really was. Although, I discovered later, that there was some artistic license taken to capture her very lengthy career in a 2 hour movie, it is a movie that is well worth seeing to get an understanding of the impact that she has had on American dance and theater.

A very entertaining and unique film.

intense treatment of one of martha graham's last dance performances. showcases the legendary choreographer and dancer through the eyes of a young journalist who is doing a piece on martha's life - who also happens to have been a student of martha's during martha's younger years. very nice parallel between the struggles of the character martha embodies in the dance and her own struggles as an aging woman and dancer. i found the dance sequences invigorating - but the film has enough humanness and depth to keep non-dance types like me entertained and even charmed. this film is definitely worth seeing, especially for richard move's spectacular performance. he makes a very compelling martha, although i must admit that i didn't think the costume/wig people did him justice in all scenes. added bonus: cameos by blondie and isaac mizrahi.

I loved this film, it's portrayal of Martha Graham (by Richard Move) was both reverent and camp. I was fascinated by the cinematography, and the recreation of what appeared to be very old footage was amazing. The dance sequences are dazzling. Christopher Herrmann's brilliant direction allows us a very intimate look at Martha the legend. His personal relationship with Martha offers a glimpse into Martha's off stage personna that is drawn from the heart and written with poignancy and humor. This film also offers a glimpse back into the 70's with wonderful character actors recreating the gliterati of those years. Despite some uneven moments, this first film from Mr. Herrmann and Ms. Fearon will make a wonderful addition to your DVD collection. It is sure to become a cult classic.